Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in one unforgettable day with transportation, train tickets, bus transfers, entrance arrangements, and professional guidance carefully coordinated by Machu Picchu Team.
The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train from Cusco combines spectacular Andean landscapes, fascinating Inca history, and a guided visit to Peru’s most iconic archaeological site. From your early-morning departure until your return to Cusco, our team will assist with every stage of the journey.
3:45 – 4:15 AM: Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
Your tour begins with an early-morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco between 3:45 AM and 4:15 AM. The exact time will be confirmed one day before the tour and may vary according to your hotel’s location and the train schedule assigned to your reservation. A Machu Picchu Team vehicle will take you through the Andes to the Ollantaytambo train station. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Travelers staying in the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, or Calca, must contact us in advance so we can coordinate the most convenient meeting point or transfer service. WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
6:10 or 6:40 AM: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our driver will help you locate the correct boarding area and confirm the train details shown on your ticket. The train journey to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, takes approximately 1.5 hours. During the trip, you will travel alongside the Urubamba River and enjoy impressive views of mountains, agricultural fields, traditional communities, and the changing landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Train departure times are generally around 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM, depending on availability and the schedule confirmed for your booking.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes and Meeting with Your Guide
When you arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station, your professional guide will be waiting with a sign displaying Machu Picchu Team or your name. The guide will provide a short briefing with the most important instructions for the visit, including the bus departure point, entrance procedures, prohibited items, the assigned Machu Picchu circuit, and the approximate schedule for the day.
Depending on the confirmed entrance time, you may have approximately 20 to 30 minutes to use the restroom, purchase water or snacks, or prepare for the visit.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
From Aguas Calientes, you will board the official bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes along a winding mountain road surrounded by cloud-forest vegetation. Arrival at Machu Picchu is generally scheduled between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on the assigned train, bus queues, and entrance time. Your guide will assist you throughout the boarding and entrance process.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included according to the circuit confirmed in your reservation. We prioritize the most complete available circuit that offers important panoramic views and access to the principal archaeological sectors. However, the specific route depends on government availability at the time of booking. Your final confirmation will clearly indicate the circuit included in your tour. During the guided visit, your licensed professional guide will explain the history, architecture, engineering, religious importance, and daily life of the Inca civilization. Depending on the assigned circuit, you may visit or observe:
- Agricultural terraces
- Ceremonial areas
- Residential sectors
- Important temples
- Stone structures and water channels
- Panoramic viewpoints
- Principal archaeological areas permitted by your ticket
The guided tour generally lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the circuit, visitor flow, and regulations in effect on the date of your visit. There will also be opportunities to take photographs from the authorized viewpoints along the route. Visitors must follow the established one-way circuit and the instructions of the guide and archaeological-site staff.
Return Bus to Aguas Calientes
After completing the guided tour, you will exit the archaeological site and take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. The descent takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, although waiting times may vary depending on the number of visitors. Once in town, you will have free time before your return train. You may enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, explore the artisan market, purchase souvenirs, or walk through the main streets of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Lunch is not included unless specifically stated in your booking confirmation.
2:30 or 3:20 PM: Return Train to Ollantaytambo
Your return train will depart from Aguas Calientes at approximately 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM, depending on availability and the schedule assigned to your reservation. You must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure and present your original passport together with the train ticket.
The journey back to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1.5 hours, following the same scenic route through the mountains and Sacred Valley.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, a Machu Picchu Team driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name. You will then continue by tourist transportation to Cusco. The return journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Arrival in Cusco is expected between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Drop-off will be provided at your hotel or at the location confirmed in your reservation.
Tour Schedule at a Glance
- 3:45 – 4:15 AM: Hotel pick-up in Cusco
- 6:10 or 6:40 AM: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM: Approximate entrance to Machu Picchu
- 2 to 2.5 hours: Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 2:30 or 3:20 PM: Return train to Ollantaytambo
- 6:30 – 7:00 PM: Estimated arrival in Cusco
All times are approximate and may change according to train availability, Machu Picchu entrance schedules, bus queues, traffic, weather, road conditions, and government regulations.
